As a dog owner and someone who tests pet accessories for a living, I’m always been on the lookout for the perfect travel crate.
Recently, I had the chance to test out the PetSafe Happy Ride collapsible dog travel crate, and I’m excited to share my first-hand experience with you in this thorough (and slightly unconventional) hands-on review.
This innovative product promises to make traveling with your furry friend easier and more comfortable than ever before. So, let’s dive into the details and see if it lives up to the hype!
Product Overview
After spending some quality time with this crate, I’ve identified several standout features that make it a top contender in the world of dog crates for travel:
- Collapsible Design: The crate folds flat for easy storage, which is a huge plus for those of us with limited space.
- Secure Car Attachment: A headrest strap and seatbelt connector ensure the crate stays put during your journey.
- Durable Construction: The pop-up metal frame and sturdy fabric give this crate a solid feel.
- Excellent Ventilation: Mesh zipper doors provide ample airflow and visibility for your pet.
- Waterproof and Washable: Both the fleece cover and outer shell can be easily cleaned, which is a godsend for messy pups.
- Easy to set up and collapse
- Secure car attachment
- Durable construction
- Good ventilation
- Not airline approved
- Seatbelt strap goes through the crate interior
- May obstruct rearview mirror in some vehicles
- A bit too expensive
The PetSafe Happy Ride collapsible dog travel Crate is a game-changer for pet owners who frequently hit the road with their furry friends.
Designed for pets up to 60 pounds (or 27 kg), this portable crate offers a blend of convenience, safety, and comfort that’s hard to beat.
PetSafe Happy Ride Crate Sizes
This pet travel crate comes in three sizes to accommodate different dog breeds:
- Dimensions: 19″ L x 19″ W x 19″ H
- Ideal for small breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Toy Poodles
- Dimensions: 26″ L x 19″ W x 19″ H
- Perfect for medium-sized dogs like Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, and small Terriers
- Dimensions: 32″ L x 21″ W x 21″ H
- Suitable for larger breeds up to 60 pounds, such as Border Collies and medium-sized Labrador Retrievers
How to Choose the Right Size
To ensure you choose the right size crate, measure your dog from nose to tail and from floor to top of head while standing. Add 2-4 inches to these measurements to determine the ideal crate size.
Size Recommendations
- Small: For dogs up to 15 pounds
- Medium: For dogs 16-40 pounds
- Large: For dogs 41-60 pounds
Remember, your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in the crate.
Design and Construction
One of the first things I noticed about the PetSafe Happy Ride crate was its robust construction. The aluminum frame feels sturdy and reliable, giving me confidence that it can withstand the rigors of travel.
The fabric used for the outer shell is thick and durable, resisting tears and scratches from even the most enthusiastic of pups.
The combination of metal and high-quality fabric makes this crate feel like it can last for years, which is a significant advantage over some flimsier alternatives I’ve tried in the past.
It’s clear that PetSafe has put thought into creating a product that can stand up to the demands of frequent travel.
Ventilation Features for Dog Comfort
Proper ventilation is crucial for any dog crate, especially during travel when temperatures can fluctuate.
The PetSafe Happy Ride crate excels in this area with its mesh zipper doors. These doors not only provide excellent airflow but also allow your pet to see their surroundings, which can help reduce anxiety during car rides.
I particularly appreciated how the mesh design strikes a balance between visibility and privacy. My dog seemed comfortable and relaxed inside, able to watch the world go by without feeling overly exposed.
This said, remember that dogs should not be left alone in the car during hot days, as the heath can seriously harm their health.
Safety Features for Secure Car Travel
The crate’s seatbelt connector is a standout feature that sets it apart from many other travel crates.
It threads through the crate’s interior, securing it firmly to the car seat.
While this design is effective, it’s worth noting that it might not be ideal for dogs who like to chew, as the strap is within reach.
The bottom of the crate has a non-slip surface, which helps prevent sliding around on the car seat. This feature, combined with the seatbelt attachment, provides a stable environment for your pet during travel.
The zipper doors feature a locking mechanism that prevents your pet from accidentally opening the crate.
This added security gave me peace of mind, knowing my furry friend couldn’t make a great escape while I was focused on driving.
Also, it means that if you are planning to let your dog ride in a travel trailer, you can use this crate to keep your pet stable and safe.
Functionality and Versatility
One of the most impressive aspects of the PetSafe Happy Ride crate is how easy it is to set up and take down.
As someone who’s struggled with complicated crates in the past (ok, I’ll admit to not being particularly great at building things…), I found this to be a breath of fresh air.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
- Remove the crate from its carrying case
- Unfold the crate and extend the metal frame
- Secure the top panel by attaching the Velcro straps
- Zip up the mesh doors
- Attach the headrest strap and seatbelt connector to your car seat
The entire process takes less than a minute once you get the hang of it.
Collapsing Instructions
Collapsing the crate is equally straightforward:
- Detach from the car seat
- Unzip the doors
- Release the Velcro straps
- Fold the crate flat
- Store in the carrying case
Air Travel or Car Use Only?
While the PetSafe Happy Ride crate is primarily designed for car travel, it’s natural to wonder about its suitability for air travel.
Unfortunately, this crate is not airline-approved
For air travel, you’ll need to look into a hard plastic one like the Sky kennel or other airline-approved options.
This said, while this crate isn’t IATA-approved, some airlines may accept it if you use it to keep your pet with you in the plane’s cabin. Since this is very much at each airline’s discretion, the best way to figure out the details is to check individual pet policies.
- American Airline pet policy
- Allegiant Air pet policy
- Delta pet policy
- KLM pet policy
- Spirit pet policy
- Hawaiian Airlines pet policy
- Explore more pet policy guides
Travel-Only or Multi-Purpose Crate Usage
Although designed for travel, I found the PetSafe Happy Ride crate versatile enough for occasional at-home use.
It’s not as sturdy as a dedicated indoor crate, but it can serve as a temporary den for your dog when needed.
The portability of this crate makes it ideal for outdoor events like picnics or beach trips, or even to bring your dog to a restaurant for a cozy and quiet meal.
It provides a safe space for your dog to rest and offers shade on sunny days. Just remember to secure it properly to prevent it from blowing away in strong winds.
Comfort and Convenience
One feature I particularly appreciated was the built-in storage pockets. They’re perfect for storing small items like treats, a collapsible water bowl, or essential camping gear for dogs if you’re heading out for an adventure.
The included fleece pad adds an extra layer of comfort for your pet. It’s easily removable for washing, which is a huge plus for maintaining cleanliness during long trips.
Maximum Weight Capacity for Dogs
The PetSafe Happy Ride crate is designed for dogs up to 60 pounds (27 kg). This covers a wide range of breeds, from small terriers to medium-sized retrievers. However, if you have a larger dog, you might need to look into other options.
One of the things I loved about this crate was how easy it was to access my dog during travel.
The large zipper openings allow you to reach in and comfort your pet or offer water without having to stop and open a bulky crate door.
Maintenance and Care
For minor spills or dirt, spot cleaning with a damp cloth and mild detergent is usually sufficient. The waterproof outer shell makes this process quick and easy.
Deep Cleaning
For a more thorough clean:
- Remove the fleece pad and wash it separately according to the care instructions
- Wipe down the entire crate with a pet-safe disinfectant
- Allow the crate to air dry completely before use
Storage Tips: When not in use, store the collapsed crate in its carrying case in a cool, dry place. This will help maintain its shape and prevent any damage to the fabric or frame.
Replacement Parts
PetSafe offers replacement parts for this crate, including new fleece pads and carrying cases. This is great for extending the life of your crate if individual components wear out over time.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost is probably the only downside of this pet carrier, as the PetSafe Happy Ride is on the pricey side – it sells for a little over $200.
Is it cheap? Nope, definitely not. But is it worth the price?
All things considered, I’d say it is. The build quality and the attention to detail that PetSafe put into their Happy Ride dog crate for car make it worth the higher price.
Comparison with Other Travel Crates
When compared to the 2Pet foldable crate, the PetSafe Happy Ride offers better car-specific features like the seatbelt attachment. However, the 2Pet crate might be more suitable for multi-purpose use.
For those looking for a more versatile option, the K9 Knavigate backpack could be a good alternative for smaller dogs, offering both car and on-foot transportation options.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Many users praise the PetSafe Happy Ride crate for its ease of use and portability. Dog owners particularly appreciate the stability it provides during car rides and the peace of mind that comes with knowing their pet is secure.
Some users have noted that the height of the crate can obstruct the rearview mirror in certain vehicles. Additionally, a few customers mentioned that very determined chewers might be able to damage the mesh doors.
Would I Use the PetSafe Happy Ride Crate for My Dog?
After thoroughly testing the PetSafe Happy Ride Collapsible Dog Travel Crate, I can confidently say it’s an excellent choice for pet owners who frequently travel by car with their dogs.
Its ease of use, secure attachment features, and comfortable design make it a standout option, especially if you are planning a dog-friendly road trip.
However, if you’re looking for a multi-purpose crate or need something airline-approved, you might want to explore other options.
In my opinion, the PetSafe Happy Ride collapsible dog travel crate offers a great balance of functionality, comfort, and convenience.
While it may not be perfect for every situation, it excels in its primary purpose: providing a safe and comfortable space for your dog during car travel.
If you’re in the market for a reliable, easy-to-use travel crate for your furry friend, the PetSafe Happy Ride is definitely worth considering.
Rapid-Fire Q&A
How long does it take to set up the crate?
With practice, you can set up the crate in less than a minute.
Can I use this crate for two small dogs?
While it’s possible, it’s generally recommended to use separate crates for each dog to ensure their comfort and safety.
Is this crate crash-tested?
PetSafe does not claim this crate is crash-tested. It’s designed for containment during normal driving conditions.
How long can my dog stay in this crate?
While the crate is comfortable for short to medium trips, it’s important to give your dog regular breaks for longer journeys.
Can I machine wash the entire crate?
No, only the fleece pad is machine washable. The rest of the crate should be spot cleaned or wiped down.
How often should I replace the fleece pad?
This depends on use, but generally, replacing it annually or when it shows signs of wear is a good practice.
PetSafe Happy Ride Collapsible Dog Travel Crate
Summary
The PetSafe Happy Ride Collapsible Dog Travel Crate is a top-notch travel solution for pet owners, offering a blend of convenience, safety, and comfort.
